Every journey of self-discovery begins with a choice—to conform to the world’s quiet expectations or to step bold-faced into the light of your own truth. For actor Twinkle Arora, last seen in Star Plus’ Jhanak, that path has never been about easy answers; it has been defined by strength, conviction, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of personal and national identity, Twinkle believes true freedom begins from within. “When I hear the word Azaadi, the first thing that comes to my mind is the freedom to be yourself,” she shares. “For me, freedom is not just about the history we remember; it is also about having the courage to dream, to choose your own path, and to live with dignity.”
Aligning her values with the symbolic colours of the nation, she points to a specific hue that echoes her journey. “I would choose saffron because it represents courage, strength, and sacrifice,” Twinkle explains. “The entertainment industry constantly challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, and I believe having the courage to keep learning, experimenting, and believing in yourself is what helps you grow.”
Beyond personal conviction, she emphasises that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level through individual mindfulness. “I think small acts of responsibility can create a very big impact,” Twinkle highlights. “Being respectful towards others, keeping our surroundings clean, following rules, helping someone in need and being mindful of how we use our resources are simple things that everyone can practise every day. Progress doesn’t always have to begin with something huge; it can begin with each of us becoming a little more responsible.”
Looking at the broader landscape of her profession, she also envisions a more nurturing ecosystem for creative minds to flourish. “I would love to see the entertainment industry continue creating an environment where artists feel encouraged to explore, experiment and grow,” she notes. “Every actor has a different journey, and I believe giving people the space to discover new characters, genres and creative opportunities can bring out their best work. I also hope the industry continues moving towards a more inclusive, collaborative and supportive environment where talent, dedication and creativity are always encouraged.”
Her commitment to authentic, grounded storytelling became evident in her breakout performance as Nehmat in Udaariyaan. Playing a character tied to the pulse of ordinary lives offered her a deeper appreciation of the nation’s shared cultural fabric. “Playing Nehmat in Udaariyaan was particularly special because the show connected with audiences through emotions, relationships, and the everyday experiences of Indian families,” she recalls. “As an actor, I feel fortunate whenever a role allows me to understand and portray something that is deeply rooted in our society and culture.”
Looking ahead, Twinkle remains drawn to stories of resilience and historical power, expressing a strong desire to bring impactful historical figures to life on screen. “I would love to portray Rani Durgavati,” she reveals. “Her courage, determination, and fearlessness have always been inspiring. What fascinates me most is that she stood up for what she believed in despite the circumstances around her.”
She adds, “India is a country of so many languages, cultures, traditions and stories, and cinema and television can bring all of them together on one platform,” Twinkle emphasises. “When audiences see characters and stories from different communities and regions, it creates understanding and familiarity. I think entertainment has a powerful role in reminding us that although our backgrounds may be different, our emotions, dreams and hopes are often the same. That is the beauty of India’s diversity.”
